It was a cool spring day as a lone eagle soared upon the winds of time. Wisps of white clouds coasted along amidst azure skies. The eagle would gently bank right and then left as he searched for the thermals that would lift him to new heights. The vast canyons below were normally deserted as far as the eagle could see but this day his soaring was interrupted as his attention was beckoned by a small plume of dust on the horizon. It appeared as if something travelled along the trail that snakes along the rim of the main canyon that leads to Visonia, the City of Visions. Who dared invade upon the eagles domain? His curiosity bade him to swoop in for a closer look. As he drew nearer the sound of hooves upon rocks began to fill the once quiet of this beautiful day. The eagle espied a lone rider upon a rather large black steed. The rider was tall and slender garbed in well kepted glistening armor, he was obviously a knight but from what kingdom he could not ascertain. Upon the stallions back was a well worn but serviceable saddle and affixed upon the side of the saddle was a scabbard that housed a large sword whose handle glistened in the noonday sun. Tided to the rear of the saddle was a shield with some type of crest emblazoned upon it. As the eagle slipped past this uninvited guest he decided that this intrusion needed no further pondering and he quickly climbed to his vantage point and the joy of the winds. Sir Rychard was glad that this day was cool and the trail he travelled was empty. His trusty companion Blaze, so named for the fire in both his eyes and soul, also enjoyed the tranquillity of todays quest. The voice of a lazy river could be heard in the chasm below, it seemed to speak of times gone by and desired to tell of all that it had seen. The wind also wished to whisper his part as it rustled the branches of some nearby brush which caused a skittering lizard to take refuge in his hole. Nature had a way of stirring the soul of Rychard as he appreciated its unparalleled beauty and it brought to mind how it reflected the artistic and loving aspect of his God. It had been many years since Sir Rychard had committed his heart to this Christian God and swore to embrace the virtues that would meet with approval and brandish him with the hope of eternal life. Blaze whinnied bringing Rychards attention back to the trail upon which they travelled. The trail wound its way along the rim of the canyon between Visiona and Nasher. It was about two days journey between these two cities but the team relished the solitude and a chance to be away from the corruption that always seemed to permeate where people gathered in mass. They would spend the night alongside the river beneath a star filled night.

(To Be Continued)